15.1 Introduction

Determining the required design parameters of a welded joint can be relatively time-consuming, and sometimes complicated. This chapter is aimed at the design/production unit, with the objective of explaining how the designer thinks when designing a welded joint. Only exceptionally are absolute design rules referred to: instead, the presentation concentrates on practical advice and suggestions, aimed at producing an optimised design in terms of strength, weight, performance, ease of manufacture and overall cost. Those who are interested in more detailed design requirements should turn to references [1], [2], [3], [6] or [7]: see Page 170.

15.2 Symbolic Representation of Welds on Drawings

A welding symbol on a drawing consists of:

• An arrow line (1)

• One or two reference lines (2)

• An elementary symbol (3)

• Possible supplementary symbols

• Dimensions of the weld

Figure 15.1: Symbols used on welding drawings.

Symbolic presentation of welds on drawings are given in ISO 2553, reference [4].

Elementary Symbols and Supplementary Symbols

In general, the elementary symbol is similar in shape to that of the welded joint (i.e. before welding, indicating how the metal sheets are to be prepared for welding). Examples of elementary symbols are shown in Figure 15.2. If the unbevelled edge exceeds 2 mm, the joint is a single-V butt joint with broad root faces (Y). If not, it is a single-V butt joint.

Figure 15.2: Examples of elementary symbols.

Supplementary symbols may be used, in combination with the elementary symbols: see Figure 15.3. Absence of supplementary symbols means that there...